Higher Education Commission (HEC) has initiated the online registration process for the ‘Law Graduate Assessment Test’ (Law GAT). This test is important for law graduates who want to proceed with the enrollment process as lawyers in Pakistan.
According to the latest schedule, candidates can submit their online applications until midnight on September 27, 2026. The Education Testing Council has set October 18, 2026, as the tentative date for conducting the Law GAT.
Candidates intending to take this test should complete their registration before the deadline and ensure that the information provided in the application exactly matches their Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) and other official documents.
HEC Law GAT 2026 Latest Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Test | Law Graduate Assessment Test |
| Conducting body | HEC Education Testing Council |
| Application deadline | September 27, 2026 |
| Test date | October 18, 2026, tentatively |
| Test type | Multiple Choice Questions |
| Total marks | 100 |
| Passing marks | 50 |
| Result validity | 2 years |
| Maximum attempts | 7 |
| Application method | Online |
| Fee payment | 1Link/1Bill |
| Eligibility | Law graduates meeting HEC and PBC requirements |
The above information is based on the latest available Law GAT registration announcement. Candidates should also check their ETC dashboard and HEC notices for any subsequent changes to the test schedule.
Who Can Apply for HEC Law GAT?
Law graduates holding a Bachelor’s degree in Law or an equivalent qualification may apply, provided the degree was from a university recognized by the HEC and the Pakistan Bar Council.
Applicants must also meet the Pakistan Bar Council requirements for enrollment as an advocate. Passing the ‘Law GAT’ examination is part of the professional enrollment process and does not, in itself, fulfill all the requirements of the Bar Council.
Candidates with qualifications from foreign institutions should pay particular attention to the applicable HEC and PBC recognition or equivalence requirements before applying.
HEC Law GAT Test Date 2026
The Education Testing Council has tentatively scheduled the next Law GAT for October 18, 2026.
The word “tentatively” is important because the HEC may change the test schedule. Therefore, candidates should check the official ETC portal and their registered contact details for the latest information before the exam.
The latest registration deadline is September 27, 2026.
HEC Law GAT Eligibility Criteria
Candidates should meet the following basic requirements:
- They must have completed a bachelor’s degree in law or an equivalent qualification.
- The qualification should be recognised by HEC and Pakistan Bar Council where applicable.
- Candidates must fulfil other applicable PBC requirements for enrolment as advocates.
- Applicants should use their own valid CNIC during registration.
- The information entered in the application should match the candidate’s official documents.
HEC has specifically advised applicants to enter their personal information carefully. A mismatch between the CNIC information and the application details can create problems at the examination stage.
HEC Law GAT Passing Marks
The Law GAT consists of 100 marks, and candidates need at least 50 marks to qualify.
The qualifying result remains valid for two years, while candidates have a maximum of seven attempts to pass the test.
Candidates should keep a copy of their result for future use because the Law GAT result can form part of the documentation required during the professional enrolment process.
HEC Law GAT Test Pattern
The Law GAT is based on multiple choice questions.
HEC also provides a revised syllabus for candidates preparing for the exam. Candidates should use the latest syllabus available via HEC rather than relying solely on old preparation materials.
The test is designed to assess the legal knowledge and understanding of law graduates before they proceed further toward professional legal practice.
How to Apply for HEC Law GAT 2026
Candidates can apply online through the HEC Education Testing Council registration system.
The general registration process is as follows.
Step 1: Visit the HEC ETC Portal
Open the official HEC Education Testing Council registration portal and log in to your account.
Candidates who do not already have an account should follow the registration instructions provided on the portal.
Step 2: Complete Your Profile
Enter the required personal and educational information.
Candidates should carefully enter their name, CNIC number, mobile number, email address and other requested details.
It is important that the information matches the candidate’s official documents.
Step 3: Select Law GAT
After completing the required information, select the Law Graduate Assessment Test from the available examinations.
Check the test information and application details before moving to the payment stage.
Step 4: Generate the Payment Invoice
The system generates a consumer number or payment information for the test fee.
The application fee can be paid through the available 1Link or 1Bill Invoice services.
Step 5: Verify the Payment
After making the payment, candidates must return to their ETC dashboard and use the Verify Online Payment option.
Payment verification is important because simply making the payment does not necessarily mean that the online application has been completely submitted.
Step 6: Submit the Application
After completing all required fields and verifying the payment, submit the application.
HEC will consider applications that have been properly submitted. An application left in saved or incomplete status will not be treated as a submitted application.
Use Your Own CNIC
Candidates should register using their own CNIC.
According to the latest registration instructions, applicants who use the CNIC of a parent, sibling, relative or another person will not be allowed to appear in the examination.
This is why candidates should carefully check the CNIC number before submitting the application.
HEC Law GAT Fee Payment
The test fee is paid through the available 1Link or 1Bill Invoice services using the consumer number generated during the online application process.
After payment, applicants need to verify the transaction through their ETC dashboard.
The fee is non refundable and non transferable, according to the latest registration information.
What If There Is a Problem With Registration?
Candidates who face an issue while completing their application should contact the HEC online help service and resolve the issue before the registration deadline.
This is important because registration related complaints may not be handled after the application portal closes.
Candidates should therefore avoid waiting until the final day to submit the application.
Is Law GAT Mandatory for Becoming an Advocate?
Law GAT is part of the requirements for law graduates seeking enrolment as advocates in Pakistan.
The test has been associated with the professional enrolment requirements under the Pakistan Bar Council framework, and recent reporting by Dawn also notes that passing Law GAT is a mandatory requirement for enrolment as an advocate.
However, passing the test should not be treated as the only requirement for becoming an advocate. Candidates must also fulfil the other applicable requirements of the relevant authorities.
HEC Law GAT 2026 Last Date to Apply
The last date to apply for the current Law GAT is September 27, 2026, until midnight.
HEC Law GAT 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online registration | Open |
| Last date to apply | September 27, 2026 |
| Test date | October 18, 2026, tentatively |
| Passing score | 50 out of 100 |
| Result validity | 2 years |
| Maximum attempts | 7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HEC Law GAT?
HEC Law GAT stands for Law Graduate Assessment Test. It is conducted by HEC’s Education Testing Council for law graduates as part of the requirements connected with professional enrolment as advocates.
When is the HEC Law GAT 2026 test?
The upcoming Law GAT is tentatively scheduled for October 18, 2026.
What is the last date to apply for Law GAT 2026?
The last date for online application is September 27, 2026, until midnight.
How many marks are required to pass Law GAT?
Candidates need at least 50 marks out of 100 to pass.
How many times can a candidate attempt Law GAT?
A candidate can make a maximum of seven attempts to pass the test.
How long is the Law GAT result valid?
The qualifying score remains valid for two years.
How can I apply for Law GAT?
Candidates can apply online through the HEC Education Testing Council registration portal. They need to complete their profile, select the Law GAT, generate the payment information, pay through the available 1Link or 1Bill service, verify the payment and submit the application.
Can I use someone else’s CNIC for Law GAT registration?
No. Candidates are required to use their own CNIC. Using another person’s CNIC can result in the candidate being stopped from taking the examination.
Is Law GAT enough for Bar Council enrolment?
Passing Law GAT is an important requirement, but candidates must also fulfil the other applicable requirements of HEC and the relevant Bar Council.
HEC Law GAT 2026 Official Website
Candidates should use the official HEC Education Testing Council portal for registration and application related updates. HEC’s ETC system is the relevant platform for Law GAT registration and examination information.
